C-USA Media Days: Day 2

No matter how often we do this, it still feels odd to have 12 football coaches in a room simultaneously. When the media hounds are released, there is that tentative moment of indecision, one derived from attempting to make a decision on who to chat with first. Mike Price? George O’Leary? Todd Graham? Well, perhaps not.

Before we got down and dirty with interviews, we enjoyed a lighthearted moment. There was one drop-dead gorgeous (!!!) television reporter who provided the players with an Erin Andrews/College World Series-like moment. Every move she made drew several sets of eyeballs, and those players were eager for an opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions about cover-2 defenses and bowl tie-ins. We assume having such a pleasant appearance helps break the ice during those opening interview questions. Perhaps she used it to her advantage.

• • •

Speaking of your favorite coach, we asked Tulsa senior linebacker Nelson Coleman what it was like having Graham back in the fold. Graham, of course, spent three seasons as Golden Hurricane defensive coordinator, and he recruited the 11 projected starters on defense. Coleman had an interesting take on the year Graham spent on South Main proudly recalling his Texas roots.

“I guess it was like having a family member go away for a while,” Coleman said.

Insert snide comment here.

• • •

Fresh from the “It’s a small world” category comes the reuniting of Memphis quarterback Martin Hankins and Rice coach David Bailiff. Hankins spent his first two seasons out of Hattiesburg High at Southeastern Louisiana going head-to-head with the Bailiff-led Texas State defense. Hankins recognized Bailiff while perusing the C-USA football media guide, and the two bumped into one another on Monday afternoon during the football clinic at Willie Hall Playground.

“We were in the same group together, and that’s when he realized (who Hankins was),” Hankins said. “You don’t realize just how crazy and small (the world) is.”

Hankins and Bailiff chatted about their past encounters, meetings Hankins recalled because of the defensive intensity Texas State displayed under Bailiff.

“I just remember he always had a physical defense,” Hankins said of Bailiff. “I’m sure he’ll make it the same way at Rice. He’ll end up having a good team there.”

• • •

UTEP receiver Fred Rouse was regarded as the top prospect at his position following his graduation from Tallahassee Lincoln High in 2005. He signed with Florida State, played sparingly as a freshman, then ran afoul of the law and was dismissed from the team. He resurfaced in El Paso, and after sitting out last season and paying his way through school, Rouse is primed for a return to action.

But his road back has been anything but smooth. Rouse pulled a groin in the spring, and missed most of the Miners’ summer conditioning program while tending to legal issues back in Florida (Rouse is on probation and has two years to complete court-order community service). Rouse will spend fall drills working on his conditioning, and UTEP coach Mike Price plans to bring him along slowly.

“Fred has done a great job academically. He had to. He had no choice,” Price said. “Socially he’s been 100 percent. No problems. He hasn’t slipped up one time. He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do. He’s been real clean.

“I believe everybody deserves a second chance. He hadn’t been in trouble before. (Florida State) coach (Bobby) Bowden vouched for him. I talked to the president of Florida State (T.K. Wetherell), and ironically enough he vouched for him.

“He’s antsy as hell. (But) we’re going to take him slowly and let him ease into the season.”

• • •

We really hadn’t given much thought to the prospects of Jarett Dillard leaving Rice after his junior season to enter the NFL Draft. But some of you have asked us about it, so we figured we’d take his temperature on the subject. He obliged.

“It’s a decision that I’ll make with my family, as well as the coaches and team,” Dillard said. “I am graduating in May of 2008 … that’s my main priority. Right now I’m focused on winning games, and we’ll see what happens towards the end of the season. Right now I don’t feel like I’m mentally or physically ready for the NFL.”

19 Responses

Very interesting that Jarett Dillard is on course to graduate next May. (I presume that was not just a verbal slip-up saying he’d graduate after the 2008 season?) This deserves attention on a national level as he gears up for a Heismann candidacy.

[Dillard did redshirt in 2004, so he is on pace to graduate on time. Although for student-athletes at Rice, that feat should not be taken for granted. - MK]

If Jarett Dillard can be assured of being a first-round pick in next year’s draft, he should seriously consider foregoing his senior year. Even still, like Matt Leinart, he should enjoy the fanfare and accolades that his senior season would bring.

While JD has the skills for the NFL and is a better player than Calvin Johnson, he doesn’t have all the measurables that scouts drool over. He’s a second- or third-rounder right now.

Any pics or links (or at least a name) for the “drop-dead gorgeous (!!!) television reporter” you saw today? No fair not sharing…

[I accept full responsibility for not thinking on my feet fast enough. I could have at least got a name, right? Luckily, I have her image seared into my brain. But I guess that doesn't do you any good, huh? - MK]

But the main question is: How many beignets did MK devour at Café Du Monde?

[Thanks for reminding me that I forgot to make a trip to Cafe Du Monde. I can't remember the last time I went to New Orleans and bypassed an opportunity to scarf down some beignets and hot cocoa. I am deeply ashamed of myself. - MK]

On July 26 Murph informed the Cougar masses, and rather emphatically that, and I quote: “No, I WON’T be there (C-USA media day). I have to take vacation at some point. MK Bower will be there to keep everyone informed with what’s happening”.

Just curious when we can expect some info on the Coogs ? Or did they miss the plane too like the TsU contingent did for the SWAC media day ?

[The Coogs were there, and there was a lengthy story devoted to their QB search in Tuesday's paper. - MK]

“[The Coogs were there, and there was a lengthy story devoted to their QB search in Tuesday's paper. - MK]”

OK I will grant you that, but by comparison to last weeks Big Twelve coverage, your efforts notwithstanding, the Chronicle’s overall coverage was effectively weak. And Murphy being on vacation with no one else sent to specifically cover the Current Conference Champions was inexcusable IMHO.

Noticed that Solomon made time to go to SA to cover the Big Twelve’s gathering. Guess he is scared to go to Nola eh ?

Thanks for your efforts MK….

[Your point is well taken. I don't want to come off as a Chron apologist, but the Big 12 media days run longer than C-USA's, which made players specifically available to the print media for just one morning. Granted, there was some access on Monday afternoon at the clinic, but that would have taken an independent effort (and better luck on my part - my flight to Nawlins was delayed by mechanical problems, and I subsequently missed the clinic). Did we send more writers to San Antonio (three, I think) than to Nawlins (lil' old me)? Yep. Does the Big 12 put on a better, long show than C-USA? Yes sir. Does C-USA have enough of a die-hard following (and media interest) to warrant a three-day event? Probably not. - MK]

Does C-USA have two (TWO) schools from Houston (as in Chronicle)? YES. Does Big 12 have any schools from Houston (as in Chronicle)? NO. Somebody on Texas Avenue needa a geography lesson. Better coverage of the HOUSTON schools will begat better crowds and more interest, simply as that. Then, you won’t have to justify your editors’ bad coverage decisions.

This Big XII worship orgy is pathetic, without even a single column on the reigning conference champions in THIS CITY. The Chronicle disgusts me sometimes. Your efforts are excellent and, as a Cougar, I am glad to see Rice getting some ink. Please let your eds. know that there are actually two DI schools in this town and that the nearest Big XII school is 90 miles away and hasn’t won anything of note on the football field in decades.

Did we send more writers to San Antonio (three, I think) than to Nawlins (lil’ old me)? Yep. Does the Big 12 put on a better, long show than C-USA? Yes sir. Does C-USA have enough of a die-hard following (and media interest) to warrant a three-day event? Probably not.

Ugh, listen while all of that might have some weight of truth to it, there’s no reason for me to depend on the other CUSA members papers for indepth info about UH or Rice rather than my own hometown paper. I mean considering how poorly the other Houston teams are doing (besides the Dynamo), I would think at least UH (and after last year’s turnaround Rice as well) would be a bright spot in terms of sports. Anyway I apologize for busting on ya, but having the local paper sacrifice the local colleges for the sake of colleges outside this city that have their own local papers just brings out the biggest problem with my hometown: No sense of pride in ourselves.

[I think Murph and I do our best to provide "in-depth info" on UH and Rice, respectively, so I can't imagine why you'd need to depend other papers to get that information. Now, if your beef is with the Chron's space allotment for the Big XII vs C-USA, well ... never mind. - MK]

MK, how was New Orleans? I am just curious because I am still a little unsure about the town and safety. Uh plays Tulane but I am still a tad uneasy about going there.

[New Orleans is fine. I've been several times since Katrina, and I have yet to encounter any problems. From what I've read, there are some crime concerns, but the French Quarter area feels safe and secure when it is bustling. I don't find myself looking over my shoulder there, and considering I spent four years living in crime-ravaged Washington D.C., that is saying something positve. - MK]

I think Murph and I do our best to provide “in-depth info” on UH and Rice, respectively,

Bingo MK. You and Murph have been a God-send for the past year as well as Ronnie hitting the DII College beat. Everything you three have been doing haven’t gone unnoticed.

However, as you noted, my beef is space given in the Chron proper. I’ve seen at least 3 previews in the last month from other city papers that have seriously looked over the Coogs (and since we’re in the same conference Rice) for the up coming season and it’s kinda irritating to not see one for UH or Rice. Ugh, sorry MK, I’ll quit it with the soapbox. Maybe I’m just getting cranky with football season getting closer.

Anyway, since Murph isn’t there, (and Rice is more your beat and I apologize for asking), any thing interesting to note about UH during the media days?

[I did notice the interest Quick garnered. Obviously I don't cover the Coogs on a daily basis, but Alridge has star quality, both in terms of talent and persona. It appeared the assembled media agreed with me. - MK]

Good lord people. Grow up and quit crying. The Coogs and Rice get one quarter of the stories that UT/A&M do because that is how much interest they garner! You morons who think that w/ more coverage comes more fan interest are simpletons at best. Take a look at how many comments there are on a UT/A&M story as compared to a UH/Rice story. All of you crybaby Cougar fans just shut up already and be happy w/ the coverage that we have, and before you shoot the messenger-i’m a proud University of Houston alum living outside of Atlanta, Ga.

MK, sorry for the crybabies highjacking your blog. Usually this is reserved for Murph’s board, but since he’s on vacation…

Anyway, I don’t know what i’m looking foward to more-the birth of my third child(first daughter) in Novemeber, or for the pro and college football seasons to begin! Am I sad or what?!

[Congrats on the lady-on-the-way. You have reason to be excited about the Coogs, especially defensively. They have the potential to feature the top unit in C-USA West. And with their returning skill position talent, losing Kolb may not be that much of a hindrance. I think the Coogs win C-USA West. - MK]